Grocery store will benefit downtown

Express-News Editorial Board

Published
4:17 pm CDT, Thursday, September 12, 2013

Downtown San Antonio has much to offer. The Alamo captures our rich history, just as La Villita Historic Arts Village reflects our deep culture. The River Walk is a treat for residents and visitors alike. Downtown is a jewel.

But one thing downtown doesn't have is a grocery store. That may change as the city and grocery giant H-E-B negotiate over a possible store at the southeast corner of Flores Street and César E. Chávez Boulevard.

The city has offered $1 million in cash as an incentive. H-E-B has said the store would lose money, but has pledged to keep it open for at least five years.

In return, H-E-B has requested the closure of South Main Avenue, between Chávez Boulevard and Arsenal Street, to expand its corporate campus. This closure would have to be studied, but at first blush it appears reasonable.

We realize a downtown grocery store is a stretch. Even with the $1 million in cash, it will lose money. The store H-E-B has proposed is small, between 6,000 and 8,000 square feet. There is a dearth of quality grocery options in the downtown area, and $1 million is a small price to pay for this experiment.

If the store succeeds, then downtown is better for it. If it struggles, then at least H-E-B and the city tried to improve a crucial part of this city.

The streetcar, HemisFair Park's redevelopment, San Pedro Creek's restoration and the possibility of the University of the Incarnate Word's medical school have brought downtown into focus. A grocery store adds to this picture.